Samsung Galaxy S4: Thoughts and Expectations

We’re only in November and the Samsung Galaxy S4 rumor mill is already at work, churning out some possible features as well as a potential launch date for the Galaxy S4, a device that is expected to replace the wildly popular Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone that went on sale earlier this year.

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The Samsung Galaxy S3, by most if not all accounts, is a very successful device. In terms of hardware and software, Samsung put out a winner. It features top of the like hardware like a speedy dual-core processor, massive HD display, and a solid curvaceous design. Software-wise, Samsung was the first company in the U.S. to push out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to a device that’s carrier-locked.

From a sales perspective, the Galaxy S3 is killing it, selling over 30 million units worldwide, a figure that the company announced shortly after the launch of the iPhone 5 back in September.

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And from a personal standpoint as well. Friends of mine, who are at best average consumers, are well-aware of the Galaxy S3. Previously, their only knowledge of Android was “Droid.” So, Samsung has clearly built a winning franchise here. But what’s next? The Samsung Galaxy S4 it seems.

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Already, less than six months after the launch of the Galaxy S3 in the U.S., rumors of a Galaxy S4 are sprouting up and even more, it looks like Samsung has some cards to play early next year.

Here, I want to discuss my thoughts on these rumors, my expectations in terms of what’s to come, and hopefully hear back about what you want from the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Mid-2013 Galaxy S4 Release Date Looks Good

There are rumors aplenty about the Galaxy S4 launch date and release date. Whispers peg the Galaxy S4 launch date at either CES or Mobile World Congress, a different scene then last year’s Galaxy S3 launch which took place outside the realm of trade shows. I do not know when the Galaxy S4 will launch but I can tell you, just based on logic, that CES is likely out.

Samsung doesn’t need to launch the Galaxy S4 that early in the game, not with sales as good as they are. Mobile World Congress is a much more plausible locale for a Galaxy S4 launch but even then, it would be a little odd given Samsung’s launch trend. It has done events outside these shows for its major devices and it would be odd to see that trend end with the Galaxy S4.

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The latest has Samsung unveiling the Galaxy S4 in Barcelona at MWC with a release coming in May. If I had to guess, May sounds like a perfect release month given that it was the month that Samsung released the Galaxy S3. The MWC launch? Well, I’m still not sold on that.

Likely Features

What probably will be shown off at CES is Samsung’s latest display, a full HD 1080 AMOLED screen that will apparently be 4.99-inches in size. The display is said to be the technology that will be powering the Galaxy S4.

Previous rumors stated that the Galaxy S4 would have a 5-inch display and it could be that this screen, if it is shown off at CES, will be the display found in the Galaxy S4 and beyond.

Other features should include, at the very least, a quad-core processor, 4G LTE data speeds, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean which is the current version of Android. Those are now standard when it comes to high-end smartphones and those interested in the Galaxy S4 should expect no less.

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It should also arrive with several storage options, per usual, though I wish a U.S. carrier would offer the 64GB model right off the bat like Apple does with its iPhone.

Please, Ditch the Plastic

One of my biggest qualms with Samsung devices is their design material. I get it, Samsung uses the plastic because it’s durable, and it keeps cost down, but I think now, with the Galaxy series established as a major brand and contender, it could be the perfect time to expand beyond that and do something different.

I’d love to see a Galaxy S4 that looks and feels like a device that costs $200 or more. I’m not saying mimic the iPhone 5 design which is built out of aluminum, glass and metal but something other than polycarbonate plastic would be a welcomed change in Samsung’s design philosophy.

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Add a Stellar Camera

Samsung has all the right software for its camera. From great little tweaks for photos to a host of amazing sharing options, Android and TouchWiz are intuitive and useful when taking photos and video. However, the lenses that Samsung has put on its latest-generation devices haven’t won any awards. How about changing that with the Galaxy S4?

Rumors are out there about a 13MP rear camera this time around and hopefully that translates into a camera that can compete with the likes of the iPhone 5 and Lumia 920, both of which have impressive rear cameras.

It Will Sell Well

Many wondered whether the Galaxy S3 could sell well in the wake of the Galaxy S2’s success. Clearly, it has, as the Samsung Galaxy S3 has sold over 30 million units thus far around the world. Will the Samsung Galaxy S4 match that? It’s certainly possible. One thing is for sure though, Samsung has created a series that is resonating with average consumers which is something that is key to a smartphone’s success.

I’d like onscreen buttons…but the application has to be smart, unlike the asinine GNex and Nexus 4 design. If you’re going to replace hardware buttons with onscreen buttons, extend the screen downward, so the buttons stay where they were in relation to the phone as a whole. Don’t keep the same amount of bezel space and move the buttons upward…that’s just a stupid idea.

Generally, I’m for everything that maximizes screen size and minimizes phone size. I want a 4.8 or 5 inch display on a phone no bigger than the Galaxy S2.

I’d like at least 32gb of storage and at least 3000mah of battery capacity.